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Cleveland's Got Style: Great Lakes Fashion Week Kicks Off With Accessory Show

Photo via Cecily Rus

Models getting their hair done backstage by Mona Lisa Salon and Spa. Owner Mona Hirst and her team of stylists worked with designers to create concepts that matched the vision behind the work. Hirst laughs when asked if any of the styles will be crazy. “Yes, it’s going to be crazy. The show will be more of a New York Runway,” with creativity and artistry to spare.

Photo via Cecily Rus

The LaChaé Cosmetics make-up station.

Photo via Cecily Rus

Tashawna Jackson, owner and designer of Tashawna J. Couture.
Jackson has been designing for two years. She attended design school for a while, and then returned to Cleveland to work towards opening a store. Last night was her first show.

Photo via Cecily Rus

One of the very stylish guests.

Photo via Cecily Rus

Model backstage wearing a scarf by Tashawna.

Photo via Cecily Rus

Designer Mark Mathews with models backstage.

Photo via Cecily Rus

Model backstage wearing a scarf by Tashawna.

Photo via Cecily Rus

Guests waiting for the show to start.

Photo via Cecily Rus

Guests.

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Models hanging out before the show.

Photo via Cecily Rus

The End of the Beach by Jenny DiNuoscio table. DiNuoscio has been designing her whole life, but starting selling her designs in 2009. She has done many shows in the Akron/Cleveland area.

Photo via Cecily Rus

Dan LaChaé, owner of LaChaé Cosmetics. LaChaé has been in business of 18 years. His store, and the newly opened LaChaé Institute are located in Richmond Town Square.

Photo via Cecily Rus

Co-owner of Great Lakes Fashion Week LaShonda Reed getting primped for the show. Reed started the company in April 2013 with her twin sister Shalonda and longtime friend Amanda Krieg. After walking in New York shows, LaShonda was disenchanted by the less than friendly attitude of other models and designers. Her goal for Great Lakes Fashion Week was to “put on a show where everyone feels welcome and the girls have support.” She wants the models, some of whom are young and just starting out, to feel empowered and encouraged. She also wants people to know that Cleveland has something to offer the fashion world.

Photo via Cecily Rus

Models wearing The Whatknot bowties and a hood by Tashawna hanging out backstage.

Photo via Cecily Rus

Guests.

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Co-owner Shalonda Reed talking business.

Photo via Cecily Rus

Mathew’s The Whatknot bowties on display. Mathews started designing in January 2013. He taught himself how to sew using YouTube videos, the internet and by asking lots of questions. When asked what attracts him to the fabrics that he picks, he answers seriously that “[he] picks what [he] can’t wait to wear.”

Photo via Cecily Rus

Models backstage.

Photo via Cecily Rus

Models ascended the staircase and then strutted down the runway. Surprisingly, no one fell even though they were all in heels.